Greetings from Northern California
My name is Mike Horton, and I am an active developer in the field GNSS + IMU Navigation Systems. My blog on these topics can be found on Medium. I built the first Inertial Measurement Unit (??Gyro?) using low-cost solid-state sensors that was approved for manned flight in small aircraft by the FAA. I have helped several of the companies building survey receivers implement tilt compensation correctly using these same types of sensors.
As an end-user of survey equipment, I am newer to the practice of classic land survey. However, I recently started working with the Tersus Oscar Survey System to do some field work for Autonomous Automotive Testing, specifically Safety Validation in terms of automated stops and turns in difficult or contested situations. It is actually a very difficult problem requiring centimeter accuracy and milli-second decisions.
Recently, I am interested to obtain a PLS license in CA to get a deeper experience.
I am also helping the good folks at Tersus build up their business.
I like to keep busy but also chat a lot too. So again, I am very glad to be here, and I look forward to meeting more of you.
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Good stuff! Welcome!
@bill-c Nice to meet you!
That is one sexy intro and photo.
Welcome, fella!
@brad-ott?ÿ I am also a registered priest of the Universal Life Church ???
Recently, I am interested to obtain a PLS license in CA to get a deeper experience.
I wouldn't want do discourage anyone from pursuing a land surveying license, but it's worth noting that there's a world of difference between the knowledge, experience and skillset required for competent practice as a professional land surveyor and the kind of deep-dive high-tech work you've been doing to date.?ÿ I think the number of people who can do both well is probably very limited.?ÿ (I don't know for sure, because I'm not one!)?ÿ You might be capable of it, but given the time required to go from 0-60 as a land surveyor may mean losing ground on the tech side.
But if licensure is what you want, by all means go for it!?ÿ There aren't enough of us around already, and the retirement rate is accelerating.
@jim-frame Appreciate the feedback and nice to meet you ??? .?ÿ Maybe I could not make it all the way thru easily, but do some of the entry steps.?ÿ I suppose it would depend a lot on wether what I do regularly could pass as "responsible charge work" or not.?ÿ I guess probably not, and if that is the you are likely right it would mean losing ground.?ÿ
Is there a better state to go than CA. It looks like getting a CA license if you have another state license might be easier??ÿ Just curious.?ÿ I know it is a dreadful bad attitude but is there an "easy" state, or are the statutory requirements quite well uniformed across the USA? Just curious
Welcome.?ÿ
I don??t know about easier states to become licensed. One tends to become licensed in their home state rather than moving or constantly traveling for work. Though many surveyors are licensed in multiple states to increase their potential clientele.?ÿ
My work as a PLS is a nice balance of outdoor physical work in the elements and indoor office work in a controlled climate. Many find the former to be too demanding or for some reason beneath them and don??t last very long. Others can??t handle the latter. I just completed my 29th year as a PLS. I am happiest when I can balance the equation and the two sides are equal.?ÿ
I am curious as to why you are seeking licensure in any state that would be the easiest and not where you currently reside. Land Surveying is regulated state by state and requires licensure within the state you are practicing. So a NC PLS cannot operate as a licensed surveyor in CA. ?ÿ
It's not just a matter of differing state regulations and case law.?ÿ At least as far as boundary work is concerned -- and boundary establishment is the essence of land surveying -- you have to become familiar with the work of surveyors who practiced before you in your area.?ÿ Boundary surveying is as much about history as it is about science.
@bushaxe?ÿ Oh I read somewhere that it is pretty easy to get re-certified in a 2nd state, if you are certified in another.?ÿ So that is how I got to the question --- what state is the easiest ????.?ÿ I know it is a bad attitude.?ÿ ?ÿMy degrees are in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, so it seems I would need pretty deep re-education per the CA requirements ??? ?ÿ